In a remarkable achievement, young jockey Billy Loughnane has set a new record as the first rider to reach 100 Flat victories in 2025. Loughnane, who emerged in the racing scene at just 16 years old in late 2022, has swiftly established himself as a prominent figure on the British racing circuit.
The talented jockey, son of trainer Mark Loughnane, clinched the champion apprentice title in his debut full season, securing an impressive 130 wins. His success continued last year with his inaugural triumphs at Royal Ascot, culminating in a total of 162 victories and a commendable fourth place in the Flat jockeys’ championship, trailing behind Oisin Murphy.
Starting his 2025 campaign with a notable accolade as the All-Weather champion jockey, Loughnane has persisted in his upward trajectory despite facing an 11-day suspension early in the turf season. Recent performances have seen him surpass Oisin Murphy, with nine wins in the past two weeks, solidifying his position as the leading jockey of the year.
Achieving a significant milestone on Friday, Loughnane secured his 100th win by guiding Gewan, trained by Andrew Balding, to victory in a 7f novices race at Newbury. His rides this year have amassed over £1.3 million in prize money, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill.
While currently ranked fourth in the jockeys’ standings with 38 wins, Loughnane aims to vie for the title, determined by victories recorded between May 3 and October 18. Leading the pack are Oisin Murphy with 61 wins, followed by William Buick with 44 wins and Rossa Ryan with 41 wins.
Reflecting on his recent accomplishments, Loughnane expressed optimism about his future prospects, emphasizing his dedication to continuous improvement. As the primary jockey for trainer George Boughey in Newmarket, Loughnane celebrated his first Group win of the year at York and has notably partnered with Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, securing four wins from six rides.
In response to his latest milestone, Loughnane expressed his joy at reaching his 100th win this year, highlighting his achievements as the champion all-weather jockey and securing victories at prestigious events like Newmarket. Looking ahead, he remains focused on adding more wins to his impressive record.